Daryl Vaz and the Vaz Family to the Honourable Gordon “Butch” Stewart O.J., C.D., Hon. LL.D

Ifeel extremely honoured to have known Gordon “Butch” Stewart (Uncle Butch) for over 45 years. His tutelage and guidance from my early teens and throughout my life contributed to helping to shape me into someone who is always prepared to courageously confront challenges and not give up, both in my private and public life. Indeed, I am fortunate and blessed to have had a close relationship with a visionary man whom I considered an uncle, a friend, a mentor, a confidant and a father figure at different phases of my life’s journey. Uncle Butch did exceptionally well in his various corporate business pursuits and built an empire, recognised worldwide, rivalled by only a select few across the world. It was impossible to be around Uncle Butch for any length of time without being compelled to appreciate the vital importance of being a proactive and solution oriented person. He lived his life with some basic personal and business ethics and principles which he instilled in those of us close to him. Some which come readily to mind are to walk with kings but never lose the common touch; to thine own self be true; never put off for tomorrow what you can do today and most importantly, your word is your bond. It was however not his material wealth which made Uncle Butch prosperous and widely celebrated - it was the power of his personality, his ability to see great opportunity in crisis, his infectious belief in dreaming big, working hard and importantly sharing his success with others, in particular those in need. At all times, he recognised the importance of respecting people, trying to exceed expectations and putting their interests first. For all that he did for so many, his satisfaction in return was loyalty from staff, family and friends. To my entire family, Uncle Butch was an inspirational figure and a great source of support and strength in good times and bad. My wife, Ann-marie and I, along with the rest of the Vaz family are devastated at his passing. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Stewart family, his wife Cheryl and all his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family and to Adam who is like a brother to me and with whom I also share a special friendship. May they all find comfort and solace in this time of great bereavement in the fact that my beloved Uncle Butch made his mark as a distinguished and brilliant son of Jamaica whose unique, indelible and unequalled legacy of national, regional and global excellence will be celebrated for many decades to come. There is much pride and comfort to be found in Uncle Butch’s legendary footprints of success which will continue to improve the lives of many Jamaican and Caribbean people, in particular the dedicated team members of his Group of companies, whom he loved dearly and whose well being was of utmost importance to him. Many do not know that Uncle Butch was also a spiritual man and became even moreso after the untimely death of his son, Jonathan many years ago. He would find a Church to worship on a Sunday wherever in the world he was. I had the pleasure of accompanying him on many occasions throughout the world. I am confident that It is well with his soul and that he was at peace at the time of his transition. I have no doubt that Uncle Butch has already joined his many friends in heavenly paradise including my beloved Father, Douglas, and has started a good game of dominoes, content that they both served mankind well and gave their very best in ultimately making the world a better place than they found it. Uncle Butch, we will remember that unique laughter you had when you were often amused telling us the same joke and stories over and over throughout your life. We will miss the stale jokes and stories but more importantly, we will miss you for the man that you were. Rest in peace Uncle Butch. You will live within our hearts FOREVER. Daryl (Star Boy, Lover Boy, Young D, Horse Power and Mr. Fix It) and the entire Vaz Family January 2021